Method and system to monitor and control devices utilizing wireless media

ABSTRACT

A method and system of selectively communicating with one or more devices within pre-defined geographical zones is disclosed. A plurality of geographical zones is defined, each zone being defined by latitude and longitude attributes. A plurality of devices is associated with each geographical zone with which a portable device can communicate, the portable device having data representative of the plurality of geographical zones. The portable device also has a ground positioning unit receiver to obtain geographical coordinates of the portable device. If the portable device determines that its location is within one of the plurality of geographical zones, the portable device communicates with the devices in associated with the geographical zone.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/158,720, filed Jun. 21, 2005; which is acontinuation-in-part of issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,286,929, issued Oct. 23,2007; which claims the benefit of the prior filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/625,467, filed Nov. 5, 2004. Thisapplication is related to issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,317,927, issued Jan. 8,2008. The contents of those applications are incorporated by referenceherein.

1. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring andcontrolling devices, such as home appliances, or any other devices thatare specific to a location. In particular, it relates to utilizing awireless portable device to control and monitor multiple devices withina discrete location defined by a geographical zone. The geographicalzone data being configured in the wireless portable device.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling personal devices arebecoming widely used. Some systems utilize wireless devices that aregenerally single purpose devices with little to no computing power.Modern business and lifestyle scenarios require a high amount ofbandwidth to carry heavy streaming of data to be analyzed by anever-growing server based infrastructure. Current monitoring deviceslack the computing power or the necessary configuration to attend everyenvironment in which an individual operates.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A PDA as provided herein is a portable wireless device with highcomputing power. The PDA is portable by an individual, and communicateswith other devices wirelessly. Furthermore, the PDA has the capabilityto store multiple configurations to control and monitor multipleenvironments. Each environment can also contain a multitude of devicesthat could be monitored and analyzed by the PDA. The PDA is anintelligent device that is only required to send data when an exceptionis met, threshold is exceeded or an anomaly is recognized. This systemrequires minimal bandwidth as well as a modest infrastructure to supportthe business case as mentioned above.

In one aspect, there is a method of selectively communicating withdevices within pre-defined geographical zones. A plurality ofgeographical zones is defined, each zone being defined by predeterminedattributes. At least one device within each geographical zone isassociated with a portable device with which it can communicate. Theportable device is provided with a ground positioning unit receiver.Data representative of the plurality of geographical zones is loaded tothe portable device. Geographical coordinates of the portable device areobtained from the ground positioning unit receiver. The location of theportable device is determined in relation to at least one of theplurality of geographical zones. Communication with the at least onedevice associated to the at least one geographical zone is establishedwhen the portable device determines it is within the at least onegeographical zone. The predetermined attributes can be latitude andlongitude attributes.

The portable device can be anyone of a cell mobile phone, a smart phone,or a personal data assistant. The geographical zone is at least one of ahome environment, a work environment, a state, a city, a commercialneighborhood, a residential neighborhood, or a school zone.

In another aspect, the method further comprises providing a modulecommunicatively coupled to at least one device associated to the atleast one geographical zone, the module behaving as a hub forcommunication between the at least one device and the portable device.

The communication signal between the portable device and the pluralityof devices can be any one of a Bluetooth signal, an infrared signal, ashort-range radio signal, wireless universal serial bus, or WiFi. The atleast one device can be a measuring instrument that measures the levelsof at least one of carbon monoxide, chlorine, smoke, smog, oxygen in theair, or temperature.

In another aspect, the method further comprises the steps of permittingthe at least one device to transmit a signal to the portable deviceindicating the occurrence of the event, and permitting a microprocessorin the portable device to execute a preconfigured operation if themicroprocessor in the portable device determines that the event occurredtriggers the execution of the preconfigured operation.

In another aspect, the data representative of each geographical zone isa plurality of coordinates, wherein the portable device creates afurther representation of the geographical zone using the plurality ofcoordinates by performing the steps of: mapping the coordinates on apixilated image so as to assign one pixel to each coordinate of theplurality of coordinates, wherein the distance between each assignedpixel is configurable, connecting the plurality of assigned pixels withlines forming a contiguous and connected line that encloses an area inthe pixilated image, and activating the pixels that lie on the lines inorder to form a contiguous array of pixels that enclose a shape in thepixilated image.

In yet another aspect, the data representative of each geographical zoneis a plurality of waypoints, each waypoint in the plurality of waypointsbeing defined by a geographical coordinate and a radius; wherein thegeographical coordinate is represented by a latitude and longitude, andthe radius is represented by a distance magnitude.

In another aspect, data representative of each geographical zone is apixilated image created performing the steps of allowing a user toidentify a geometrical zone in a computer map using two coordinateattributes, dividing the identified geometrical area into a grid,allowing a user to select at least one section from within the grid inorder to define a geographical area, and associating the at least onesection to a pixel in a pixilated computer image such that the pixelsselected by the user in the identified geometrical area are identifiedas being in the geographical zone. When the grid is built or constructedby dividing the geometrical area, multiple sections are derived suchthat a high enough resolution to be able to correctly delineate thegeographical zone is achieved.

In another aspect, the portable device is programmed to determine ifcertain conditions have occurred in the geographical zone, and when acondition occurs, the portable device reports the occurrence to acontrol center or to a second portable device. A pre-programmedoperation can be executed such as making a telephone call, reporting toa control center, starting an alarm.

In one aspect, there is a method of selectively communicating withdevices in a remote environment. The method comprises providing aninstrument module associated with a geographical location, enablingcommunication between the instrument module and a plurality ofinstruments located at the geographical location, enabling wirelesscommunication between the instrument module and the portable devicethrough a communications network, loading to the portable device dataidentifying the plurality of instruments associated with eachgeographical location and data identifying the corresponding instrumentmodule, programming a microprocessor in the instrument module todetermine the occurrence of an event related to data obtained from oneof the plurality of instruments, and permitting the microprocessor inthe instrument module to transmit an event message indicating theoccurrence of the event to the portable device. The microprocessor inthe portable device can execute a preconfigured operation if themicroprocessor in the portable device determines that the event occurredtriggers the execution of the preconfigured operation.

In one aspect, there is a system of selectively communicating withdevices in a remote environment. The system comprises an instrumentmodule associated with a geographical location, at least one instrumentcommunicatively connected to the instrument module, the at least oneinstrument located at the geographical location, and a portable devicewirelessly connected to the instrument module through a communicationsnetwork, wherein the portable device is loaded with data identifying theat least one instrument and the corresponding instrument module. Theinstrument module includes a microprocessor that determines theoccurrence of an event related to data obtained from the at least oneinstrument and transmits an event message indicating the occurrence ofthe event to the portable device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example, reference will now be made to the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates the high-level architecture of a computer system anda PDA for controlling and monitoring devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary environment in which a PDA can monitorand control devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates a component layout of the PDA used in a system forcontrolling and monitoring devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates a window of the PDA configuration application wherethe user may select parameters to configure multiple events.

FIG. 5A illustrates a map of a geographical zone divided into a grid.

FIG. 5B illustrates a pixilated image representing a geographical zone.

FIG. 6 illustrates a component diagram of a backend control system.

FIG. 7 illustrates a logical component hierarchy of the system.

FIG. 8 illustrates multiple environments in which the PDA may operate.

FIG. 9 illustrates a manager that utilizes the PDA to interact withdifferent processes at a remote location configured within the PDA.

FIG. 10 illustrates a worksite environment in which the PDA operatesdepending on the proximity of other PDA's to the worksite environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The method and system described below utilizes a personal dataacquisition and reporting system capable of measuring, time-tagging,logging, analyzing and controlling parameters and events associated withthe multiple electronic devices. The system can comprise a PDA thatcommunicates over cellular and satellite communication networks incombination with GPS positioning satellites capable of providingposition and status information on a global scale. The PDA allowsinteraction with and control of a wide range of peripheral devices,including operating according to preconfigured geographical zones andevents. The PDA may monitor and analyze health parameters heart rate,temperature, blood pressure, blood-sugar content, body implanttransducers and medication devices, and can monitor emergencynotifications. Furthermore, the PDA may detect geographical boundariescrossings, route and schedule adherence of a individual or host vehicle,reporting of position, speed, mileage, direction of travel, accelerationand altitude of the PDA, an individual or a host vehicle. The PDA canalso monitor and analyze hazardous environmental conditions, includingthe detection of Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Chlorine, Natural Gas, smogand smoke concentrations. Furthermore, the PDA may monitor and remotelycontrol home appliances.

The PDA may operate in multiple environments and interact with devicesof each environment. The PDA uses GPS information combined with theinformation on the pre-stored geographical zones for changing theconfigurations relative to the changing environments. These pre-storedzones can be configured to form geographical boundaries into many shapesas the user desires. The PDA adapts and interacts differently with thedevices of each environment.

Therefore, if the PDA were located in a vehicle, the PDA wouldcommunicate with the vehicle devices such a fuel valve through a localcommunications link (implemented by Bluetooth, short-range radio, etc).

The portable device has substantial computing power so as to executepre-programmed operations based on data obtained from devices associatedwith the each environment. Thus, the PDA has the features, flexibility,and capability of an intelligent device. The PDA contains an at least32-bit processor which can interface with at least one modem (cellular,satellite, and others), at least one Global Positioning System (GPS)receiver, at least one memory module, and other peripheral devices. Theprocessor permits the PDA the placement of logical analysis anddecision-making capability in the PDA rather than a remote, server-basedcontrol center. Other components of the PDA may include, but are notlimited is at least one GPS antenna, at least one modem antenna, atleast one serial port for communication and configuration.

Among its many capabilities, the central processing unit of the PDA canbe configured to manage configurable operations including operations toreport, observe, recognize, process, and analyze numerous configurableevents or configurable operations, give and respond to various commands,effectuate numerous events in its local installation, and contain ahistory-recording component.

The PDA is configurable to include as few or as many configurablelogical events as the user desires. Events may be based on rules using acombination of the GPS position and one other factor such as time orspeed.

Configurable operations refer to those actions that the CPU in the PDAwill execute. For example, a PDA that receives a home appliance eventsignal of malfunction could be configured to immediately dial theservice company. Other configurable events or configurable operationsinclude, but are not limited to, the turning on or off of an ignition toa vehicle; the temperature level or change thereof; the fuel tank levelor change thereof; etc. The configurable operations or combinationsthereof can be processed in order to transmit a specific message,respond to a specific query or command, enable or disable a specificmechanism, or recognize a specific event. The configurable events orconfigurable operations occur in many situations. These situationsinclude, but are not limited to where configurable events orconfigurable operations occur in response to a command; whereconfigurable events or configurable operations occur in response to aquery; or where configurable or configurable operations events occurupon recognition of pre-selected conditions.

Configurable boundaries or geographical zones can also be used and areconfigurable to any shape the user desires. For example, the boundary orzone can trace the border of a state line or trace the route of aselected highway or path. The boundary or zone can trace the border ofthe premises of a school zone, a no-fly zone, a city, etc. The boundaryor zone can also be a geometric shape or non-geometric shape. A furtherbenefit of the present disclosure is that the PDA can be updated andconfigured locally or over-the-air.

The PDA is designed to be event driven, transmitting data only whenexceptions are met. Exceptions are configured in the PDA as events. Theevent-driven approach limits the amount of data sent over-the-air andpreserves bandwidth. This is accomplished using rules and thresholdsthat can be configured for any combination of internal and external datasources. When a rule is broken or threshold exceeded, a customer-definedevent can be generated. The transmissions of these events are controlledby the transmission rules and operating configuration of the device.

An instrument module can be mounted, attached, manufactured, orotherwise included upon/in various articles or electrical devices. Sucharticles or electrical devices may include entertainment equipment,computer systems, environment condition sensors, health monitors anyother item where monitoring or controlling its operation is beneficial.Within the context of the monitoring system, the instrument module worksto collect, process, and communicate information about the article orelectrical devices to which the instrument module is connected.

FIG. 1 illustrates the high-level architecture of the communicationslinks of a PDA for controlling and monitoring devices. A PDA 105receives radio signals from a GPS constellation 131 allowing the PDA 105to identify its geographical position and geocode if necessary. The PDA105 can communicate wirelessly to various networks through multiplewireless devices integrated in the PDA's 105 hardware. In oneembodiment, such communications network is a cellular network includingmultiple cellular base stations 120 and service providers 135. Inanother embodiment, such communications network is a cellular networkincluding multiple cellular base stations with SMS receivers 125 andservice providers 140. In another embodiment, such communicationsnetwork is a satellite network including multiple satellite receiversand transmitters 130 and satellite ground stations 145. In yet anotherembodiment, such communications network is a short-range radiocommunications network.

The communications network permits the PDA 105 to communicate with abackend control system 150. The PDA 105 sends event information tobackend control system 150 and responds to commands sent to the PDA 105by the backend control system 150 through the communications network.The backend control system 150 includes a plurality of gateways 151,152, 153 and 154 which interact with a codec 155. The codec 155 is thecentral codifier and decodifier of the backend control system 150 andallows the backend control system to adapt and communicate with anycommunications network. The modular design enables the introduction ofnew hardware and network protocols without having to change monitoringand reporting software. The backend control system 150 also includes anasynchronous routing system 159 that allows incoming and outgoingcommunications to be handled asynchronously and efficiently. In oneembodiment, the asynchronous routing system 159 includes a plurality ofrouting services 156, at least one database 157 and a web server 158.The messages routed by the routing services 156 are directlycommunicated to a client console 176. The client console 176 presentsinstrument and PDA 105 information to the operator. The client console176 sends to commands to the PDA 105 through the backend control system150 and a communication network.

Multiple applications may connect to the central database 157 to providefurther system functionality. An administrator console 175 permitsoperators to add, edit or delete PDA 105 information, instrumentinformation, user information, etc. A history processor console 174allows an operator to view reports and replay event data. An operationsdata processor 173 permits an operator to define geographical zones andwaypoints for operation of the PDA 105. A configuration utility 172permits operators to easily configure PDA 105 features andfunctionality.

Instrument information can be presented to the operator throughalternative mediums besides a PDA 105. In one embodiment, instrumentinformation can be presented to an operator through a website or anemail by transmitting such information from a web server 158 to a webclient 171. In another embodiment, instrument information can bepresented to the operator by sending a text or voice messages to anotherpredetermined wireless device 177.

The PDA 105 can communicate with multiple instruments or devicesthorough an instrument module 195. In one embodiment, instrument module195 is connected to a plurality of instruments or devices with which theuser would like to monitor or interact. For example, the instrumentmodule 195 can be connected to a television unit 192, a garage dooropener 194, and to a fax machine 196. Depending upon configuration ofthe PDA 105, the PDA 105 can execute operations to turn on/off aninstrument, query a measurement from the instrument, etc. The instrumentmodule 195 can also be connected to the internet 160 in order to haveconnectivity with the web server 158 and the backend control system 150.The instrument module 195 can be configured to report a specific eventor occurrence related to any of the instruments associated with theinstrument module 195. The instrument module 195 reports suchinformation through the internet 160 to the backend control system 150and to the PDA 105. If the PDA 105 is within the vicinity, theinstrument module 195 can transmit directly to the PDA 105.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary environment in which a PDA 105 canmonitor and control devices. In one embodiment, the environment can be ahome environment 190. The instrument module 195 can be installed in thehome environment 190 in order to provide control and monitoringcapabilities to the PDA 105. The PDA 105 interacts with the instrumentmodule 195 through a wireless link of a known protocol such asBluetooth, short-range radio, etc.

The instrument module 195, in turn, is connected to various instrumentsin the home environment. In one embodiment, these various instrumentscan be a television unit 192, a garage door opener 194, and a faxmachine 196. The instrument module 195 is connected through a local areanetwork or any other means of networking within a specific environment.

In one embodiment, if the instrument module 195 receives a signal fromany of the connected instruments, the instrument module 195 woulddetermine if there a preconfigured event has occurred at the instrument.For example, if a fax has arrived at the connected fax machine 196, theinstrument module 195 may be configured to execute an operation upon thereceipt of a fax. For example, the instrument module 195 may, throughthe internet connection 160 notify the PDA 105 that a fax has beenreceived. If the PDA 105 is within the vicinity of the instrument module195, the notification can be made through a direct wireless link to thePDA 105.

In another embodiment, the instrument module 195 can be configured withan event, such as detecting the presence of the PDA 105, receiving amessage by the PDA 105, or calculating a time to take a measurement.Once the event occurs, the PDA 105 may execute a preprogrammedoperation. For example, in receiving a message from the PDA indicatingthat the PDA 105 is present within the vicinity of the instrument module195, the instrument module 195 then emits a signal to the garage dooropener 194 to open the garage door. The garage door opener 194 receivesthe appropriate electrical signal from the instrument module 195 inorder to operate such that the garage door is opened.

As such, the instrument module 195 may be configured to interact withany configured instrument and to execute an operation. Other examples ofinstruments within a home environment 190 with which the instrumentmodule 195 can interact are an alarm system, a heating unit, an airconditioning unit, a dishwasher, a clothes dryer, a vault, etc.

In one embodiment, the PDA 105 can be programmed to emit a signal to theinstrument module indicating when the PDA is within the range of theinstrument module 195. The PDA 105 can recognize that it is within thehome environment 190 by obtaining GPS position data and determining ifit is within a preconfigured boundary. Using preconfigured irregularboundaries can be used, such as a neighborhood, or school zone, aworksite, etc. In another embodiment, the instrument module 195 simplyassumes that the PDA 105 is always present.

The PDA 105 can also be configured with an operation to be executed whena configured event occurs. Such operation can be requesting informationfrom the instrument module 195, commanding an operation at theinstrument module 195, etc.

Hardware Configuration

FIG. 3 illustrates a component layout of a PDA used in a system forcontrolling and monitoring devices. In one embodiment, the PDA 105 has acell phone module 240 and a data acquisition module 242. The cell phonemodule 240 contains at least one cellular modem 220, at least one CPU210, and at least on audio processing unit 214. In another embodiment, asatellite communications modem can be included in the cell phone module240 to provide the most affordable and complete global coverage.

The CPU 210 is a high performance processor with enough computing powerto quickly perform complex calculations. In one embodiment, theprocessor 210 is at least a 32-bit processor. The processor 210 includesat least 32 Kilo-bytes of RAM. For example, a Motorola MMC2114 32-BitRISC processor with two built-in UART's is contemplated. However, asimilar or more advanced processor is also contemplated.

The data acquisition module 242 may include a global positioning system(GPS) receiver 215, a data system microprocessor 212, a memory module280, and a communications link 244. The GPS receiver 215 is capable ofpositioning accuracy to within a few feet or less. For example, a12-Channel Trimble SQ, Lapaic UV40, or small-range accurate receiversare contemplated. The memory module 280 includes at least two additionalmemory chips, wherein each additional memory chip is at least 128 Kb.

In one embodiment, the cellular modem 220 is the primary means forcommunication with the backend control system 150. The cellular modem220 may be a GSM, CDMA or similar modem. The satellite modem ortransceiver 230 can be external to the PDA 105 and connected to the PDA105 by a serial port 340. Alternatively, the satellite modem 230 can beinternal to the PDA 105.

The satellite modem 230 is primarily used only when there is little orno cellular coverage or when the user specifies use of the satellitemodem 230. The efficient use of the satellite modem 230 functions tolower the cost of the tracking system to the user. One embodimentcontemplates a satellite modem 230 such as a Sky Wave DMR-200 satellitemodem. Similar contemplated satellite modems include features such as abuilt-in omni-directional antenna, provide worldwide coverage, andefficiently interfaces with the PDA's processor 210.

In one embodiment the communications link 244 is a Bluetooth transceiver215 has a range of at least twenty meters. For example, in oneembodiment, a National Semiconductor Simply Blue LMX9820 Class 2Bluetooth module is contemplated. However, similar or more advancedBluetooth receivers are contemplated any other radio connectivity whichdoes not require a line of sight. The Bluetooth transceiver can beinstalled to utilize different capabilities such as integrating andsupporting multiple wireless peripherals, acting as a short-range radioto download data, or to serve as a local, traveling wireless “hotspot.”

The power source 235 can be a fused main power-in source with anoperating voltage range between 12 and 24 volts. One embodimentcontemplates low power consumption (65 mA or less) during normaloperation. Furthermore, the PDA 105 includes a circuitry for charging anoptional backup battery. If the primary power source 235 supply reachesa minimum acceptable voltage, the PDA 105 will automatically switch tobackup power as well transmit a message identifying that the powersource 235 is a critical level.

An instrument module 195 can be packaged separately from the PDA 105, oralternatively, an instrument module 195 can be in the same housing. Theinstrument module and the PDA 105 communicate through the PDA'scommunications link 244 and the instrument module's communications link260. Communications links 244 and 260 are coupled through a wirelesscommunications protocol such as Wireless USB, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.,which permit the PDA 105 and the instrument module 195 to communicate indistances of over 300 ft. The instrument module 195 can further havecommunications links 272, 274 and 276. These links 272, 274 and 276permit the instrument module to connect to various devices that, forexample, measure environment conditions, regulates appliances on/offstate, and monitors automobile functions.

The instrument module 195 can be further equipped with a microprocessorand a memory module. The microprocessor can be configured to analyze andcompute the occurrence of events, execution of operations and computerprograms.

The PDA 105 can communicate with the instrument module 195 over acellular communications network. The instrument module 195 can beinstalled on a cellular network and be further equipped with cellularmodem that would permit the instrument module to interface with thecellular network.

Event Configuration

The PDA 105 has numerous features, functions, and capabilities describedbelow. The PDA 105 is an intelligent device that can be configured toreport, observe, and analyze numerous logical events. The PDA 105 isalso configurable to give and respond to various commands, and containsa configurable history-recording component. In order to perform thedesired functions, a PDA 105 is configured by loading software thatexecutes desired operations based on the occurrence of an event.Therefore, the execution of operations is exception-based.

All configurations to the PDA 105 can be done locally or over-the-air.Thus, the user is able to configure any features including the entireoperating system of the PDA over the air. This over-the-airconfiguration can be accomplished through use of the cellular modem 220,or any other wireless means. In one embodiment, during over-the-air orlocal configuration, the PDA 105 continues to operate normally. Thismeans the PDA 105 can be configured with losing little to nooperability. Over-the-air configuration commands change the parametersused for processing physical and logical events on the fly. In oneapproach, over-the-air operating system updates are achieved using twoexecutable code spaces, and a temporary code space for loading new code.Once the uploading of new code into the temporary code space iscompleted, the PDA reboots, copies the new code into the secondaryexecutable code space and resumes execution with the most recent update.

FIG. 4 illustrates a window of the PDA configuration application wherethe user may select parameters to configure multiple events. Inparticular, an exemplary screen shot of the user interface forconfiguring the configured events on the PDA 105 is shown. The screenshot serves only as an example of a general interface which the user caninteract with to configure the PDA 105. The user interface permitsconfiguring the PDA and does not require the user to know scripts orhard-coded parameters. Instead, a software application that the user caneasily interface with logical windows, tabs, fields, checkboxes andradio buttons to configure the PDA is disclosed.

The window 400 shows an exemplary list of events that can be configuredon the PDA 105. The present system and method contemplate a variety ofconfigurable logical events not depicted in the screen shot. Each eventhas a corresponding field box in which the user can fill in theappropriate value.

The user has the ability to configure each event 436-445 by indicatingthe preferences in each of the checkboxes provided. For example, theconfiguration of the events in the PDA 105 may entail enabling the inputor feature in check boxes 424, assigning the events as a priority eventin checkboxes 425, assigning one or more outputs to the events incheckboxes 426, or linking the occurrence of the events to a messagingsent via the cellular network by checking the appropriate box from aplurality of checkboxes 427. The user interface may be part of anapplication that resides in the configuration utility 172 (FIG. 1).Exemplary events can be configured such as Zone Boundary Enter 435, ZoneBoundary Exit 436, and Smart Time reporting 437 or Scheduled Timereporting 438.

In one embodiment, events are based on rules using a combination of theGPS position of the PDA 105 and one other factor such as time or speed.In another embodiment, events are based on reaching a certain point intime that was preprogrammed in the PDA 105, or any other exception thatis programmed to trigger an operation by the PDA 105. Transmitting anevent message is an example of an operation triggered by the occurrenceof an event and may include the transmission of a message that the eventitself has occurred in combination with information such as includeslatitude, longitude, speed, direction, time, health condition, homeappliance measurements, environment conditions, or any othermeasurements that can be received from the instrument module 195.

The PDA 105 is configurable to include as few or as many logical eventsas the user desires. In one embodiment, an event can be to report thelast known location of the PDA for a specified interval of time to thebackend control system 150.

In another embodiment, the configured event is the reaching of ameasurement level threshold. For example, the measurement can be ofcarbon monoxide, insulin any other blood content levels, heart rate,respiratory rate, room temperature, number of packages produced at anassembly line per day, etc.

The measurements can be taken periodically, by the instrument module195, and then reported to the PDA 105. In one embodiment, the instrumentmodule 195 transmits every measurement received from the instrument. Inanother embodiment, the instrument module 195 is equipped with logicthat determines if the measurement taken has surpassed a predeterminedthreshold, and if so, the instrument module 195 transmits an eventmessage to the PDA 105.

The instrument module 195 can also be configured to take measurementsfrom connected instruments or devices at predetermined times. Forinstance, an instrument module 195 can be programmed to measure the airquality of a room every morning at 6 A.M. Then, the instrument modulereports the measurement to the PDA 105, and the PDA 105 determines if anevent has occurred. A configured event can be, for example, that the airquality is poor. An operation pre-programmed on the PDA 105 can includedisplaying a message on a display of the PDA 105 indicating that the airfilters in the room must be changed.

In another example, the instrument module 195 may be configured tomeasure the glucose level at 9 P.M. every other night from an instrumentconnected to an elder person. The instrument module 195 can determine ifthe glucose level surpasses a threshold level of being too high or toolow, and then the instrument module 195 transmits an alarm message tothe PDA 105. Alternatively, every measurement is sent to the PDA 105,which only reports an alarm to the user that the preprogrammed thresholdlevels have been surpassed.

Yet another measurement can be the speed of a vehicle measured by aspeedometer that is connected to an instrument module 195 placed in thevehicle. The PDA 105 can be configured to send reports dependent on themeasured speed of the vehicle. Thus, each time the speed threshold isexceeded, the instrument module 195 detects the change immediatelytransmits the speed level to the PDA 105. Another measurement can beidling of an instrument such as a car engine, a computer monitor, etc.The instrument module 195 can be configured to send reports dependent onthe amount of time the instrument has been idled. In addition, the PDA105 can also be configured to send a message to the backend controlsystem 150 with an event message of excessive idle, such that thebackend control system 150 may then transmit to preloaded and configuredreceivers such as another PDA or a cell phone. The information relayedfrom the instrument module 195 to the PDA 105 can include the lengthtime of idle.

In another embodiment, an event is reaching a time when a scheduledreporting must be performed. This feature sets the PDA 105 with areporting feature on an interval based upon a date and time reference.Thus, the user can configure the PDA 105 to report any parameters ordata on pre-selected days and hours of the week. For example, a usercould use the scheduled reporting feature to configure the PDA 105 toonly report at 8 AM, 12 PM and 4 PM on weekdays and only once perweekend day. Thus, even when the PDA 105 has received multiple messagesfrom the instrument module 195, the PDA 105 will only report the eventsduring the times specified by the user.

In another embodiment, the configured event is the turning on, orturning off of an instrument. For example, as the air conditioning unitturns on automatically, the instrument module 195 may be configured todetect that the air conditioning unit has turned on. The instrumentmodule 195 then sends a message to the PDA 105 indicating that the AChas turned on. The PDA 105 may be further configured to immediatelyquery the room temperature from the instrument module 195 which in turnmeasures the temperature utilizing a thermometer connected to theinstrument module 195. The instrument module 195 transmits a signal tothe PDA 140 with the current room temperature, and then the PDA 140calculates whether an alarm should be generated. If the air conditioningunit turned on and the temperature does not warrant the turning on ofthe air conditioning unit, then the PDA may display an alert message onits display and send an event message to the backend control system 150.The instrument module 195 may receive turn on and turn off signals fromvarious instruments and peripheral devices such as kitchen and homeappliances, lights in a room, pool systems, heating units, to name afew.

In yet another embodiment, the configured event can be the receipt orsending of a message at a communications device. Communication devicesinclude a facsimile machine, a computer system connected to theInternet, telephone, etc.

While the event configuration discussed above is applied primarily tothe PDA 105, the logic to detect the occurrence of an event, and thelogic to execute a specific operation because of the occurrence of theevent can be implemented at the instrument module 195. Therefore, theevent configuration may be solely implemented on the PDA 105, solelyimplemented on the instrument module 195, or implemented as acombination in both the instrument module 195 and the PDA 105.

Geofencing

Various events can be configured based on “geofencing” events.Geofencing entails creating configurable boundaries or geographicalzones in which a PDA 105 operates and relates to the instrument module195. Furthermore, the entering or leaving a geographical area that hasbeen geofenced can be an event itself, and can be programmed in the PDA105. In another embodiment, once a zone is entered by the PDA 105, thePDA 105 can switch communication modes and adapt to the new zone suchthat the PDA 105 interacts only with the peripheral devices within theentered zone. Furthermore, the PDA 105 can adapt to the new zone byloading a specific configuration for that zone such that it interactswith zone-specific instruments through the instrument module 195 thatoperates in that zone.

A configurable boundary or geographical zone may be constructed througha combination of waypoints and/or zones. Because of this combination,the configurable boundary or geographical zone can be constructed in avery specific shape and outline specific borders or routes. A waypointis a circular area defined by a geographical center point and radius.The area defined by the waypoint is configurable by changing the radiusand the position of the geographical center point. Thus, the boundarycreated by the waypoints and zones is configurable.

In one embodiment, the PDA 105 is loaded with a plurality of waypoints,each waypoint defined by a coordinate and a radius. A zone can bedefined by a plurality of waypoints. Thus, for example, a city can bedefined by two waypoints. Using GPS data, the PDA 105 will calculatewhether it is in any of the two waypoints defining the city. If the PDA105 determines that it is inside one of the two waypoints, then the PDA105 assumes that it is within the limits of the city. A greater numberof waypoints will increase the resolution of how the zone is defined.Thus if two waypoints are used, the resolution can be increased byadding ten extra waypoints that further define the delineation of thecity boundary.

A zone can be an irregular region defined by a series of line segmentsenclosing an area. In one embodiment, each zone contains 3 to 256 ormore deflection points for creating the line segments defining thisirregular area. In one embodiment, this irregular area can create aconfigurable boundary or a geographical zone. The properties of a zoneinclude a name, description and a flag determining if the zone is anoff-limits zone or an enclosed zone.

In one embodiment, a geographical zone can be created selecting aplurality of coordinates and downloading the coordinates to the PDA 105.The plurality of coordinates may be in the Mercator system. Next, thePDA 105 assigns each coordinate to a pixel in a pixilated image that isloaded in the PDA 105. In order to perform the assignment, the PDA 105utilizes logic to define a “bounding” square or box around the pluralityof coordinates. Then the bounding box is pixilated and the pixels wherethe coordinates fall are marked as activated. Once the pixels for eachcoordinate are assigned, lines are extended from one pixel to the nextso as to form an enclosed area in the pixilated image. The pixels thelie in the path of the lines between the activated pixels are alsoactivated. Thus an enclosed and contiguous line of pixels is formed.Greater

Waypoints and zones are built by the operations data processor 173. Oncea waypoint has been built, it can be used in PDA loads. In oneembodiment, a PDA load is a collection of zones and waypoints slated tobe loaded on a PDA 105. These loads are loaded on to the PDAs with theconfiguration utility 172.

FIG. 5A illustrates a map of a geographical zone divided into a grid. Apixel map 502 is first presented to the user as a geographical map on ascreen connected to a computing device. In one embodiment, the computingdevice is the operation data processor 173 (FIG. 1), and the user is asystems operator that inputs general geographical zones (e.g. citylimits) that can be selectable by any user having a PDA 105. In anotherembodiment, the computing device is a home computer and the user is thePDA 105 user who configures the different geographical zones on hiscomputer. The home computer connects to the configuration utilitythrough a direct secure connection via an application installed on thehome computer. Alternatively, the home computer can be connected throughthe Internet using a web browser.

The computer application or interface allows the user to customize theboundaries by interacting with a map and visualize the created zones orboundaries. The configuration application displays a map on which theuser selects a rectangular shape 503 around the geographical area 504that the user desires to define. In another embodiment, the user maydefine a customized shape. The rectangular shape is then divided intosmaller rectangles such that the area of the rectangle is divided into agrid. Each pixel in the grid can be activated to be part of thegeographical zone.

In one embodiment, the user may activate each pixel by double-clickingon each pixel. In another embodiment, the user may select a smallerrectangular region and mark the smaller rectangular region as being partof the geographical zone 504 so that the pixels contained in the smallergeographical zone are activated. In yet another embodiment, the user mayselect a circular area as being part of the geographical zone 504, andall pixels in such circular area would be activated. In anotherembodiment, the user may define any customized geometrical ornon-geometrical shape.

The user can also select the resolution of the area definition. In otherwords, when the selected area is subdivided into a grid of rectangles,the grid includes a much higher number of vertical and horizontal lines,thus increasing the number of grid rectangles obtained from thesubdivision. The increase in number or rectangles increases theresolution because each rectangle covers less geographical area. A userwho desires to have great detail in defining the area may reduce thesize of the grid rectangles and thus increase resolution of the area.

An increased resolution of the area can allow a user, for example, todefine the geographical area of a house, where the geographical areacovered is much smaller than that for a state. The perimeter around thegeographical area of the house can have details that can only beidentified by very high resolution. On the other hand, a user who isconcerned with roughly knowing that a state has been entered does notneed great resolution of the state area. Therefore, the resolutionnecessitated to define the area of a state can be configured to be low.

Each selected rectangles is then mapped to a pixel. Thus, once all thedesired pixels are selected by the user as being part of thegeographical zone 504, the rectangular shape 503 is mapped into apixilated computer image. In one embodiment, the pixilated computerimage contains the same number of pixels as the number of sections inthe grid. The pixilated computer image can then be loaded to the PDA105. The PDA 105 can be programmed to determine the position of theentity with a simple calculation of whether the pixel in which the PDA'slocation falls is activated or deactivated. In another embodiment, thegeographical zone is defined by selecting a rectangular region and acircular region. The circular region can be defined by a waypoint.

An irregular zone or geographical zone may be defined by a collection ofwaypoints and pixilated images. Furthermore, each irregular zone mayhave additional parameters such as speed threshold of the entity,flagged as a “no-fly zone,” color coded in order of danger or securitythreat, communication enabled or disabled, etc.

When the PDA 105 enters or exits waypoints and zones, an event messagecan be transmitted indicating what reference point or zone has beenentered or exited. The event message can include latitude, longitude,speed, direction, time, state of the inputs, odometer, event reason orsource, and any other relevant information. Thus, the zone boundariesand waypoints allow the user to enter multiple zones and interact withinstruments of that zone. In addition, the zones and boundaries allow auser having a PDA 105 to receive information of the location of anotheruser wearing a second PDA. Therefore, a PDA user can have the capabilityto monitor the location of another PDA user that travels throughconfigurable boundaries or geographical zones such as state borders or aspecified route.

In one embodiment, the waypoint and zone events are configurable to takeone or more actions. For example, upon entering a zone, the PDA 105 maybe configured to indicate the name of the new zone by either displayingon an integrated screen or by emitting a sound or prerecording with thename of the song. In addition, another operation can be carried outbecause of the event of entering the zone. For example, the PDA 105 canbe configured to compute whether the entered zone is a new time zone,and if so, indicate the new time zone and the current time.

FIG. 5B illustrates a pixilated image 500 representing a geographicalzone. In one embodiment, after all the deflection points for a givenzone are uploaded, the zone is saved in the memory module 280 of the PDA105 in the form of a pixel map 500. The pixel map 500 is created byfirst drawing a square around the entire area of the zone. The square isthen divided into an 80/80-pixel map. Each pixel 505 is a square. Thesesquares are then used to draw the outline shape 510 of the zone 515. Ageographical area is then mapped to each pixel 505 of the pixel map 500.

In another embodiment, if the pixilated image is created in theconfiguring computer, the image is simply loaded onto the PDA 105, andthe PDA 105 does not need to build or construct the image by itself.

A position fix 520 in the pixel map 500 is mapped from the currentgeographical location of the PDA 105. A test can be performed to foreach zone for each position fix 520 in order to determine if the PDA 105is inside the zone 515 or outside the zone 515. Thus, for each zone 515,the test starts with a simple check if the position fix 520 is inside oroutside the pixel map 500. If the current position fix 520 is inside thepixel map 500, a more extensive test is completed by plotting theposition fix 520 inside the bounding box and drawing four lines in fourdirections (north, south, east and west) from the position fix 520 tothe borders of the pixel map 500. Subsequently, the number of zoneboundary crossings 530 is counted for each of the four lines 525.

Multiple boundary crossing tests are performed for accuracy. If a givenline 525 crosses an odd number of zone boundaries 510, the position fix520 is considered inside the zone 515. If a given line 525 crosses aneven number of zone boundaries, the position fix 520 is consideredoutside the zone 515. If at least three out of the four boundarycrossing tests agree, the zone boundary crossings 530 are used todetermine if the position fix 520 is inside or outside the zone. Ifthree out of the four boundary tests do not agree, the position fix 520is considered outside the zone 515.

Position fixes 520 that are on the special locations in the pixel map500 can yield specific location results. In one embodiment, positionfixes 520 that land on a zone boundary 510 are determined to be outsidethe zone boundary 510. In another embodiment, position fixes 520 thatland on a zone boundary 510 are determined to be inside the zoneboundary 510. In one embodiment, position fixes 520 that land on a “longand narrow protrusion” which is only one pixel wide can be considered toalways be inside the zone 515. In another embodiment, position fixes 520that land on a “long and narrow protrusion” which is only one pixel widecan be considered to always be outside the zone 515.

Commands to the PDA

The PDA 105 is also configurable to respond to various queries and setcommands sent over the air. The position query commands the PDA 105 toreturn the last valid GPS position, speed, and direction of travel,time, and any other data received from the instrument module 195 orpopulated by calculation of the PDA 105. The PDA 105 is alsoconfigurable to respond to various query commands sent over thesatellite modem.

Upon receiving a query command, the PDA 105 returns the state of itsdata, connecting instruments and last measurements and status signalsfrom the connecting instruments. Examples of other forms of querycommands that are sent to the PDA 105 are Input from the InstrumentModule, Output to the Instrument Module, Measurements received, GPSinformation, Firmware Version Query, Satellite Status Query, etc.

Another optional command is the alarm acknowledgement. This command issent to the PDA 105 to terminate the sending of a priority event (panic,medical or roadside assistance are examples of priority events). Whenthe alarm acknowledgement is received, no further priority messages forthe current event are transmitted.

In another embodiment, the command may be to send a text message, fromthe PDA 105 through the communication network to a device configured toreceive and interpret text messages, such as a pager, a cellular phoneor another wireless device.

In an effort to combat GPS drift, two parameters are included to filterGPS positions received from the GPS receiver. The two filters are basedupon maximum allowed speed and maximum allowed acceleration. Theparameters can be customized to the type of installation. If a packet isreceived from the GPS receiver and either of these two parameters isexceeded, the position packet is thrown out.

Commands to the Instrument Module

Much like the PDA 105, the instrument module 195 is also configurable torespond to various queries and set commands sent over the air or throughthe Internet. Most commands received by the instrument module 195 canoriginate from the PDA 105.

In another embodiment, a command is a configuration command to configurefunctionalities of the instrument module 195 as previously discussed.Examples of configuration commands include Configure Timed Reporting,Upload New Firmware, Set Excess/Highest Threshold level of a substancein a blood sample, Enable Short-Range Radio Communication, ConfigureExcessive Idle Event, Set Critical Power Level, Configure Smart TimedReporting, Configure Scheduled Reporting, Query instrument status, Queryinstrument measurement, Turn on instrument, Turn off instrument, etc.

The instrument module 195 may include a history-reporting component.Whenever the instrument module 195 cannot transmit data packets due to alack of coverage via the principle communication links, the packers arestored in one of at least two history logs on on-board flash memorystorage device. When the instrument module 195 determines that the PDA105 is within the range of transmission, or if the PDA 105 queries theinstrument module 195, then the instrument module 195 determines thatthe communication link has been re-established, any packets stored inmemory are sequentially transmitted, beginning with those messagesidentified as a priority. For example, an emergency from a measurementfrom an instrument 140 would be a priority message which would be thefirst message transmitted when the connection is re-established.

The instrument module 195 may also receive commands from the backendcontrol system 150 through the Internet. These messages would becommands requesting specific information such as production rate in afabric where the instrument module 195 is connected to the packagingmachines. In yet another embodiment, the instrument module 195 can beconfigured to connect to the Internet and report a measurement to thebackend control system 150 in case of an extreme urgency. For example,if the instrument module 195 receives a measurement from an instrumentor device indicating that there are high levels of smoke in the room,the instrument module 195 may utilize an internet connection or anyother networking connection such as a direct gateway in order to connectto the backend control system 150. The backend control system would inturn receive the event message and relay the message to the PDA 105.

Backend Control System

The backend control system allows the system to be more comprehensiveand have large-scale connectivity with other computing systems. Thebackend control system is not, however, necessary for the implementationof the monitoring and controlling of instruments or peripherals withinan environment. This is because all of the monitoring and controllingfunctionality can reside in the PDA 105.

FIG. 6 illustrates a component diagram of a backend control system 150.This includes a plurality of gateway systems 151-153, a codec 155, andan asynchronous routing system 159. In turn, the asynchronous routingsystem 159, includes a web server 156, a plurality of router systems620, 622, a real time database 630, a history database 642, and aresources database 670.

In one embodiment, the real time database 630 can maintain records ofthe most recent information from a PDA 105 such as location, speed,direction, associated instruments, associated geographical zones, etc.The history database 642 maintains records of all events andtransactions that were received and sent from the asynchronous routingsystem 159. Finally, the resources database 670 keeps records of all theinstrument modules that are part of the system.

The backend control system 150 can be configured to run on anycombination of computer servers. In one embodiment, the plurality ofcommunication gateway systems 151-153 runs on independent computersystems. In another embodiment, the communication gateways 151-153 runon a common computer system.

The communications gateway systems 151-153 direct data flow from each ofthe PDAs 105 into the backend control system 150. The gateway systems151-153 also direct commands and queries to the appropriate PDA 105.Each gateway establishes and maintains a communication link with acommunications network 651-653. In one embodiment, the gateway is aUniversal Datagram Protocol/Internet Protocol (UDP/IP) packet receiverand sender 151 which connects to an internet/cellular network 651. Theremay be more than one UDP/IP gateway 151 transmitting and receiving data.The UDP/IP gateway 151 allows the backend control system 150 tocommunicate with PDAs 105 over GSM/GPRS, CDMA/1xRTT and CDPD networksusing UDP packets.

In another embodiment, the gateway system is a Short Message Peer toPeer (SMPP) gateway 152 that connects with a Short Message Service (SMS)network 652. A plurality of SMPP gateway systems 152 transmit andreceive data for PDAs that communicate over SMS networks using an SMPPprotocol. Each SMPP gateway system 152 opens and maintains a continuousconnection to the service provider's Short Message Service Center (SMSC)for incoming data so that reception of PDA 105 data from the SMSC can beguaranteed.

In another embodiment, the gateway system is a satellite gateway 153that connects to a satellite network 653. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, thesatellite network 653 may include one or more satellites 130 and, atleast on ground station 145. The satellite gateway 153 transmits andreceives data for PDAs 105 that communicate through satellitecommunication. In one embodiment, the satellite communication protocolmay be that of Inmarsat satellites using eight-byte packets of data. Thesatellite gateway 153 gateway opens and maintains a continuousconnection to the satellite network 653.

The communication between the asynchronous routing system and PDAs 105are channeled through an appropriate gateway system 151-154. Anappropriate gateway system 151-154 is selected based on a uniquecombination of PDA manufacturer, communications protocol and serviceprovider. For example, a PDA 105 that uses CDPD communication would berouted through a different gateway system 151-154 than a PDA 105 thatuses SMS communications protocol. Likewise, PDAs 105 that use the samecommunication protocol such as CDPD, but have a different serviceprovider would have separate gateways.

As the gateway system 151-153 receives each inbound packet of data, thegateway system 151-153 tags each packet with the date and time ofarrival, the PDA 105 manufacturer information, the PDA's 105 addressinformation, and repackages the packet for transmission to the codec155. The gateway 151-153 then writes the repackaged data into a queue665 that is read by a codec 155.

When the gateway system 151-153 receives an outbound packet from anoutbound queue 661-664, the gateway system 151-153 uses the addressinformation to send the packet to the target PDA 105. If required, thegateway system 151-153 verifies before transmission that the gatewaysystem 151-153 has an open and valid connection to the correspondingnetwork 651-653. Each gateway system 151-153 has at least onecorresponding outbound queue 661-663. For example, each UDP/IP gateway151 has at least one outbound UDP/IP queue 661. Each SMPP gateway 152has at least on outbound SMS queue 662. Each satellite gateway 153 hasat least one outbound satellite 663. Each SMTP mail gateway 154 has atleast one outbound SMTP queue 664.

After a packet is placed in the inbound queue 665, the data coming fromvarious networks is decoded into a standard data format. Likewise,before a packet is placed in an outbound queue 661-664, the data goingto different communications networks is coded from the standard dataformat, into a network specific format. The coding and decoding of datais carried out by the codec (coder-decoder) 155. The codec 155 permitsthe greater flexibility because the introduction of new communicationnetwork protocols is transparent to the asynchronous routing system 159.Thus, if a new PDA model uses a new communication network protocol, thebackend control system does not need to be upgraded. The system upgradesneeded would be a codec 155 update and a new gateway if necessary.

When a packet comes into the asynchronous routing system 159, eachinbound packet that the codec 155 receives is first examined todetermine the PDA model. If the codec 155 supports the specified PDAmodel, the data is translated from the PDA 105 proprietary format intothe standard system format. Once the codec 155 has interpreted the data,the codec 155 then writes the data into a response queue 610. If thecodec 155 does not recognize the PDA model, the codec 155 then logs theunsupported data and emails the data to a designated system or networktechnician.

When a packet is sent from the asynchronous routing system 159, thecodec 155 determines the PDA model to which the packet is sent. If thecodec 155 supports the specified PDA model, the data is translated fromthe standard system format into the PDA 105 proprietary format.Likewise, if the packet is sent to another device that is not a PDA 105,the codec determines if it supports that device, and if so, translatesto the appropriate format. Once the codec 155 has interpreted andencoded the data, the codec 155 then places the packet into the queuethat corresponds to the appropriate type of network communicationprotocol. An SMS packet data would be placed into the outbound SMS queue662. If the codec 155 does not support the PDA 105 model, the codec 155then logs the unsupported data and emails the data to a designatedsystem or network technician.

Once a packet is processed by the codec 155, it then is processeddepending if it is an outbound or inbound packet. Outbound packets areplaced in the appropriate outbound queue 661-664. Inbound packets arereceived by the asynchronous routing system 159 in a response queue 610.The response queue 610 feeds the packets to the response router 620. Theresponse router 620 determines if a client console 176 is tracking thePDA 105 or the instrument module 195 associated with the incomingmessage. If so, the response router 620 routes the incoming message tothe appropriate client console 176. Thus, the client console 176receives the message before any other process in the asynchronousrouting system 159. If no client console 176 is tracking the PDA 105 orthe instrument module 195 associated with the incoming message, theresponse router 620 places the incoming message into a new event queue621. The new event queue 620 feeds a new event router 622. The new eventrouter 622 analyzes each incoming message and determines if the incomingmessage is associated to a new priority event for the PDA 105. The newevent router 622 determines if the incoming message is associated to anew event by searching a real time database 630 for a similar eventassociated to the PDA 105 or an the instrument module 195. If no eventis recorded for the PDA 105, or the event is of high priority, the newevent router 622 sends a routing request to all client consoles 176 thathave permission to view the incoming message. The request isintermittently sent until at least one client console 176 accepts therouting request. Once the routing request is accepted, the clientconsole 176 adds the PDA 105 to an inventory in the client console 176so that the incoming message can be handled.

Asynchronously, a history queue 640 receives the inbound and outboundmessages for all PDAs 105 and all of the messages from the instrumentmodule 195. The inbound messages are fed from the history queue 640 tothe history recorder 641. The history recorder 641 geocodes all packetsthat have a valid latitude and longitude. The geocoded information issaved in a history database 641 to be used later for reporting andstatistical analysis. Furthermore, the history recorder 641 timestampsall the incoming messages and tags them as being from either the PDA 105or the instrument module 195.

In one approach, incoming messages from PDAs 105 or an instrument module195 may also be forwarded to an email address, or cellular telephone, orany other communications device. To achieve this functionality, thehistory recorder 641 also transmits the geocoded locations and eventmessage information to remote notify routers 681 by placing the geocodedlocations in a remote notify queue 680. The remote notify router 681that receives the geocoded location and event information queries theresources database 670 to find out if the configuration information orevent information received requires a notification to a PDA 105, theinstrument module 195 or communications device 177. If a notification isrequired, the remote notify router 681 retrieves the contact informationfor the appropriate PDA 105, the instrument module 195 or thecommunications device 177. The remote notify router 681 then formats andencodes the message sent to the PDA 105, the instrument module 195 orthe communications device 177. The message is placed in the outboundSMTP queue 664 to be sent through the SMTP gateway 154. The message canbe placed in the outbound SMS queue 662 to be sent through the SMPPgateway 152.

The real time database 630 is also updated with the new eventinformation associated with the incoming message. Thus, the real timedatabase 630 contains the latest information reported on a given PDA105. The real time database 630 is connected to a web server 158. Theweb server 158 is directly connected to the internet 160 and allowsusers of a web tracking application 171 to make location requests,command requests 632 and report requests 633. When a web server 158receives a location request 631 from the web tracking application 171,the web server 158 queries the history database 642. The historydatabase 642 contains all events in a chronological order. The webserver 158 retrieves all transactions related to the web trackingapplication 171 query and forwards the data to the web trackingapplication 171 for displaying in a web browser.

When a web server 158 receives a location request 631 from the webtracking application 171, the web server 158 queries the real timedatabase 630 for the corresponding PDA 105 information. The real timedatabase 630 provides PDA information as related to the very lastincoming message from the incumbent PDA 105. The web trackingapplication 171 may also send a command request 632 such as querying theposition of the PDA 105. The command request 632 is sent to the commandreceiver 690 which in turn process the position request command bytagging the appropriate PDA 105 information. The message is encoded bythe codec 155, placed in the appropriate outbound queue 661-663 and sentthrough the corresponding gateway system 151-154 to the PDA 105. The PDA105 will then send back a response, and the backend control system 150then processes it updating the real time database 630. After the realtime database 630 has been updated, the web server 631 may refresh thecontents of the web tracking application 171 showing the new position ofthe PDA 105.

In another embodiment, the web tracking application 171 can monitor thelocation of an instrumentation module 140. The real time database 630may be connected to the resources database 670 to query the position ofthe instrumentation module. In another embodiment, the positioninformation is the instrument module 195 is only located in theresources database 670 because it is assumed that the position of theinstrumentation module is static. Then, the web tracking application 171connects directly to the resources database 670 and queries the positionof the instrument module 195, which can be treated as a constantattribute of each instrument module 195.

The command receiver 690 processes all commands pertaining to alloutbound messages to be sent to PDAs and to instrument modules. Thecommand receiver may receive command messages from the client consoles176, the administrator consoles 175, or from the web server 158. Whenthe command receiver 690 receives a command message, the commandreceiver 690 tags each outbound message with the correct PDA 105address. Likewise, the command receiver 690 may tag the message with thecorrect instrument module 195 address by searching the resourcesdatabase 670 and retrieving the address information. Each message issent by the command receiver 690 to the codec 155 for encoding.

In one embodiment, all of the commands that are processed by the commandreceiver 690 are ultimately sent remotely to the PDA 105 or to theinstrument module 195. An exemplary command is a Position Query. Uponreceiving this query command, the PDA 105 returns the last validposition, speed, direction, time and input state.

In another embodiment, the command is directed to a PDA 105 or to theinstrument module 195 to request a Measurement Query. Upon receivingthis query command, the PDA 105 or the instrument module 195 can returnthe last updated measurement of a specific instrument or connecteddevice. In another embodiment, the Measurement Query command triggersthe instrument module 195 to take another measurement and relay it backto the backend control system 150. In one approach, for any givenmeasurement, the response can be “High,” “Low,” or any given

In another embodiment, the command is an Alarm Acknowledgment. Thiscommand can be sent to the PDA 105 or to the instrument module 195 toindicate the PDA 105 or the instrument module 195 that an emergencysignal has been received and acknowledged. The emergency signal can berelated any event panic, roadside assistance, or medical assistance.When the alarm acknowledgement is received, no further emergencymessages for the current event are transmitted from the PDA 105 or theinstrument module 195. Other exemplary commands sent to the PDA 105 orto the instrument module 195 are setting the reporting time interval,setting the IP address, and uploading new firmware.

The asynchronous routing system 159 interacts with various controlconsoles. Reporting consoles 174 connect to the resources database 670to display instrument module information. Administrator consoles 175also can connect to the resources database 670 to retrieve instrumentmodule 195, PDA 105, and user information. Administrator consoles 175also connect to the command receiver 691 to send commands to the PDA105. Operations data processors 173 connect to the resources database670 in order to retrieve configuration information for a specific user,PDA 105, or instrument module 195. Finally, the client console 176 canalso receive information for a PDA 105 from the response router 620 orfrom a new event router 621, and then retrieves information associatedto the PDA 105 or the instrument module 195 from the resources database670. The client console also transmits command to a PDA 105 by sendingthe command to the command receiver 691.

Logical Hierarchy

FIG. 7 illustrates a logical component hierarchy of the system. Thelogical component hierarchy illustrates the relation among differentlogical components and their functionality in relation to each other.For example, a logical component block 702 represents an account relatedto a member. A member is represented by logical component block 704. Theaccount can be established with the backend control system 150, or witha host of a portal that allows integration of all logical components ina single database. The host to the portal can, in one approach, residein a server computer. In another embodiment, the host of the portal canbe the instrument module 195.

The relation between logical component block 702 and logical componentblock 704 is a many to many relation. Thus, an account can be related tomultiple members, such that members belonging to an account can accessinformation and maintain configurations pertaining to that account. Inanother embodiment, a member can have multiple accounts. A member maysubscribe different accounts if he utilizes, for example, two PDAs andhas an account for each PDA 105.

Member access to an account is controlled by permissions. Each memberhas assigned permissions. Logical component block 706 shows the relationbetween members and the assigned permissions. Members with administratorprivileges can grant other members privileges. The owner of a PDA 105can be assigned with administrator privileges. The owner can grant adoctor permission to interface with a health monitor that is connectedto the owner's PDA 105. In another example, the owner can grantpermission to an insurance company to view the driving habits of theowner of the PDA 105 by monitoring the PDA 105.

Permissions permit a member to access configuration capabilities to adevice, as well as information received from the devices within anaccount. For example, logical component block 710 corresponds to remotenotifications that can be received by a member having permissions toreceive such notification. Alternatively, a member having the correctpermissions can configure the sending and receiving of remotenotifications. The notifications are received by the PDA 105 or anotherwireless device. In one approach, the notification relates to theoccurrence of an event. The notification can be an email, SMS message,an instant message, a voice message, a network popup, and alphanumericpage, etc.

Logical component block 712 corresponds to real time trackingfunctionality. If the member has the correct permissions, the member cantrack and monitors assets, receive process flow updates, update deliveryschedules on his PDA 105. Likewise, in logical component block 714, amember with correct permissions can monitor assets and managecommunication with other member utilizing a PDA 105. Finally,permissions of logical component block 712 can permit a user to accesshistorical data as shown in logical component block 716. Exemplaryhistorical data is accounting data show in logical component block 720.Only members with the right permissions have detailed accounting datathat corresponds to inbound and outbound traffic as well as whichdevices generated the traffic. A web server with previously grantedpermission, as shown in logical component block 718, may also access thehistorical data.

Logical component block 720 corresponds to devices that belong to agiven member. Although those devices will most commonly be PDA 105devices, the portal is not limited to the support of PDA 105 devices.The configuration of devices is entered in the backend control system150 or any other portal host and then downloaded to the devices eitherserially or wirelessly. Devices are configured to interface with andcollect information from an unlimited number of internal and externaldata sources. These interfaces can be wired directly to the PDA 105, ortransmit data wirelessly via Bluetooth or cellular transmissions.

PDA 105 devices are designed to be event driven, transmitting data onlywhen exceptions are met. This approach limits the amount of data sentover-the-air and preserves bandwidth. This is accomplished using rulesand thresholds that can be configured for any combination of internaland external data sources. When a rule is broken or threshold exceeded,a customer-defined event can be generated. The transmissions of theseevents are controlled by the transmission rules and operatingconfiguration of the device.

Events are configured in relation to interaction with other devices suchas peripherals corresponding to logical component block 722, GPS devicescorresponding to logical component block 724, environments correspondingto logical component block 726, geofences corresponding to logicalcomponent block 728, and operating configurations corresponding tological component block 730.

Peripheral devices can include any external monitoring device such as ameasurement instrument that can pass information to the host device,such as the instrument module 195. Peripheral devices include healthmonitoring devices, environment condition sensors, process flow systems,vehicles and devices on a vehicle, etc.

Multiple Environments

Environments associated with the devices can be a home environment, anoffice environment, a vehicle, a restaurant, etc. Geofences can be builtand configured to delineate the perimeter of any environment orgeopolitical subdivision such as a city, county, district, etc.Geofences can be waypoints, zones, routes, or a collection of waypoints,a collection of zones, a collection of routes, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 8 illustrates multiple environments in which a PDA may operate. Inone embodiment, an individual may own a PDA 105 and configure it torecognize his home environment 190 and his work environment 804. Theuser can select boundaries that define the environments in which he orshe wants to operate and have control. The home environment 190 can bedefined by a geographical zone 810, while the work environment can bedefined by a geographical zone 820. As mentioned above, the geographicalzones can be configured the delineating irregular boundaries and storingthem in the PDA 105.

In one embodiment, the PDA 105 utilizes GPS information in combinationwith the pre-stored geographical zones 810 and 820 to determine if it iswithin the home environment 190 or the work environment 804. Therefore,the PDA 105 does not need to signal the instrument module 195 or anyother device in each environment to establish the PDAs 105 presence.Rather, the PDA 105 calculates its position based on the GPS data and“knows” whether it is in a new location. The data obtained from thePDA's 105 GPS receiver 215 is utilized geocode the position of the PDA105. The position of the PDA 105 can be geocoded periodically and thencalculated to be within the geographical zone. Each geographical zonehas associated coordinate data, which is compared with the data obtainedfrom the GPS receiver 215 to determine whether the PDA 105 is in thegeographical zone.

As the PDA 105 moves from one location to another (e.g. from a homeenvironment to a vehicle environment), the portable device recognizesthe new location and switches to an operation mode pertinent to thatlocation. For example, if the portable device leaves the premises of thehome environment 190, and enters the premises of a vehicle, the PDA 105will cease from interacting with home appliances and start interactingwith vehicle parts. In effect, the portable device would have alocation-specific behavior.

Thus, if the PDA 105 determines that it is either within geographicalzone 810, then the PDA 105 loads the configuration that corresponds tothe home environment 190. Namely, as soon as the determination is madethat the PDA 105 in the home environment 190, the PDA 105 assumes thatcommunication with the instrument module 812 is possible and startssending and receiving information from the fax machine 196, thetelevision unit 192 and garage door opener 194 and the alarm system 802.

The PDA 105 may be configured to communicate with the garage door opener194 or any other locking device in the garage door at home, such that asthe individual carrying the PDA 105 enters geographical area 810, thegarage door unlocks and opens. Similarly, the PDA 105 may communicatewith the alarm system 802 to indicate that it can be disabled, and withthe television unit 192 to turn it on. If the fax machine 196 was turnedoff, as soon as the individual enters the geographical are 810, the PDA105 may send a signal to the instrument module 812 commanding that thefax machine 196 be turned on. In another embodiment, if the instrumentmodule 812 is connected to a carbon monoxide detector, and the levels ofcarbon monoxide are high, the instrument module 812 can communicate withthe individual as he is entering the geographical area 812 and warningof the danger.

In another embodiment, where a family with multiple members (e.g.,father, mother, son, and daughter) each have a PDA 105, theconfiguration of each PDA 105 can be different. For example, each PDA105 can be configured with multiple geographical zones corresponding touser-specific locations such as home and school for the son, and home,school and neighborhood for the daughter. The daughter's PDA 105 couldinclude the geographical area for an unsafe neighborhood and eventalarms indicating that the unsafe neighborhood has been entered alongwith instructions on how to leave the dangerous neighborhood. When thePDA 105 belonging to the daughter is in an unsafe geographical area, theportable device can report it to one of the parent's PDA 105.

Similarly, the peripheral devices with which the PDA 105 communicatescan vary from family member to family member. For example, the parent'sPDA 105 could be configured to interact with the alarm system, kitchenappliances and fire detector. A child's portable device can beconfigured to interact only with the fire detector and the television.Thus, the child's device would not communicate with kitchen appliances.Nevertheless, both the parent's portable device and the child's portabledevice would receive an alarm from the fire detector. Moreover, theinstrument module 195 with which each of the family member's PDA 105communicates can also be different.

FIG. 9 illustrates a manager that utilizes a PDA to interact withdifferent processes at a remote location configured within the PDA. Inone embodiment, an individual who is the owner of a manufacturing plantowns a PDA 105 that communicates with devices in the manufacturingplant. The manufacturing plant further includes various processes, whichare monitored by these devices. The devices communicate with the owner'sPDA 105 through an instrument module 195. The instrument module 195communicates with the PDA 105 over a cellular network 910.

In one embodiment, the instrument module 195 includes a cellular modemthat allows it to communicate over cellular network 910 with the PDA105. The instrument module 195 can then transmit event signals,exceptions, and acknowledgments, to the PDA 105. In another embodiment,the instrument module 195 communicates with the PDA 105 through theInternet. The instrument module can include an Ethernet card that allowsthe PDA 105 to connect to the Internet and transmit information througha gateway to the PDA 105 over a cellular network 910. In yet anotherembodiment, the instrument module connects via WiFi, Bluetooth, wirelessUSB, etc, to the PDA 105 if the PDA 105 is in optimal proximity.

Various processes can be controlled by the owner of the plant. Forexample, the owner can also play the role of manager 914 and utilizesPDT 105 to remotely control and receive information about variousprocesses at the plant. Thus, the manager 914 can monitor and control inreal time automated manufacturing processes 902, 904, 906, and 908. Aseach process is completed, a master schedule, containing the currentstate of all ongoing activities, is updated over a local network. Amaster schedule 916 can reside in a PDA 140, and can include attributessuch as completion time for each process. If a process has not beentimely completed, the instrument module 195 is configured with an eventthat notifies the manager 914 that the process has not been completed.

In another embodiment, each change in the master schedule 916 isimmediately transmitted to update an identical schedule loaded on thePDA 105 associated with manager 914.

FIG. 10 illustrates a worksite environment in which a PDA operatesdepending on the proximity of other PDA's to a worksite environment. Inone embodiment, the manager 1008 of a transfer center 1010 owns a PDA105 that communicates with an instrument module (not shown) and devicesin the transfer center 1010. The instrument module can be connected to acellular network 1012 that permits connectivity with the PDA 105. Inanother embodiment, instrument module connects thought the Internet tothe PDA 105.

In one example, the transfer center 1010 receives cargo from variousstates and counties. The driver of an incoming truck 1002 can also beprovided with a PDA 1005 that communicates with the transfer center1010. The PDA 1005 of the driver has a daily schedule and multipledelivery zones loaded in memory. The delivery zones can be boundariescorresponding to zones in which the truck approaches and to which it istraveling.

For instance, truck 1002 is entering zone 1030. As it enters zone 1030,the PDA 1005 may be configured to send an event message to the transfercenter 1010 indicating that it has entered a first zone 1030. At thetransfer center 1010, the instrument module or another computing devicereceives the event message that the truck 1002 has entered zone 1030.The instrument module can be configured to trigger an operation whentruck 1002 enters zone 1030. Such operation can be, for example, to senda message to PDA 105 indicating that truck 1002 has entered zone 1030.In another embodiment, another operation that can be configured on theinstrument module can be to start a process in preparation for thearrival of truck 1002. Such preparation may involve preparing equipmentand personnel to receive the cargo. In another embodiment, the operationby the instrument module may be to send a notification to a web serverto post on a web page the estimated time of arrival of truck 1002 andits cargo.

As the truck moves closer to the transfer center 1010, furtherpreparation can be carried out. Multiple triggers permit timely andsequenced preparations for the arrival of truck 1002, with theallocation of unloading docks, special tools and equipment, andpersonnel as required by truck 1002. As other trucks arrive to thetransfer center 1010, other events can be configured to occur dependingon the truck's information.

The approaching to the transfer center 1010 can continuously createevents that trigger preconfigured operations to occur. For example, oncethe truck enters zone 1020, the PDA 1005 sends a message with conditionof the cargo, more accurate estimated time of arrival, trafficconditions, etc. The instrument module at the transfer center 1010receives the information from the PDA 1005 and executes a correspondingoperation depending on the event configured on the instrument module. Asthe truck enters zone 1012, the PDA 1005 sends another event message tothe instrument module indicating that zone 1012 has been entered. Theinstrument module commands the gate doors to open to truck 1002 to enterthe transfer center.

Each of the zones configured in a PDA 1005 can be waypoints, irregularzones, or a combination of multiple waypoints, irregular boundaries,etc. Therefore, in one embodiment, the zones can be a state boundary,the county boundary, the city boundary, and the business land boundary.As the truck enters the state, certain events can be configured tooccur. Likewise, as the truck 1002 enters the county boundaries otherevents can occur and as a result, an operation is executed. For example,after entering the county boundaries, the PDA 1005 can shut off thefreezer and start defrosting the products. As the truck 1002 enters thecity or the vicinity of the destination, other events can occur.

In yet another embodiment, the manager 1008 can communicate with thatlocation over the cellular network 1012 and remotely trigger preparationequipment to receive the arrival. The PDA 105 of the manager maycommunicate with the instrument module at the transfer center 1010location and trigger equipment to be deployed, personnel to be notifiedof an arrival, etc.

While the above description contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather asan exemplification of one embodiment thereof.

The method and system described above contemplate many applications ofthe present disclosure. The present disclosure includes a system whichhas the capability to control and monitor a plurality of instruments ordevices at a given geographical location or environment. A geographicallocation may be a home environment, a business environment, a territory,a country, a land, a region, a province, a terrain, a building, andedifice, a house, a shop, a tent, and any other locality. Movableenvironments in which the PDA can operate include a vehicle, aircraft,airborne items, animals, persons, cargo, specialized and/or volatilecargo such as chemicals, weapons, or hazardous materials.

Objects or devices that can be monitored and controlled include, but arenot limited to, poisoning detecting devices, health monitoring devices,environment control and monitoring devices, military equipment, vehicleoperational devices, home appliances, electronic devices, computerdevices, etc.

Monitored parameters can be temperature, pressure, humidity, bloodpressure, EKG, air pressure, lock control, etc. The PDA is contemplatedto be of many different sizes including nano and/or micro scale-PDA.

Furthermore, the disclosure includes any combination or sub-combinationof the elements from the different species and/or embodiments disclosedherein. One skilled in the art will recognize that these features, andthus the scope of this disclosure, should be interpreted in light of thefollowing claims and any equivalents thereto.

We claim:
 1. A method of selectively communicating with devices withindefined geographical zones, comprising: defining a plurality ofgeographical zones, each zone being defined by predetermined attributes;associating at least one device within each geographical zone with whicha portable device can communicate, the association being exclusive ofother geographical zones; providing the portable device with a groundpositioning unit receiver; loading data representative of the pluralityof geographical zones to the portable device; obtaining geographicalcoordinates of the portable device from the ground positioning unitreceiver; determining the location of the portable device in relation toat least one of the plurality of geographical zones; and enablingcommunication with the at least one device associated to the at leastone geographical zone when the portable device determines it is withinthe at least one geographical zone; programming the portable device todetermine the occurrence of certain conditions in the at least onegeographical zone that the portable device is located within thegeographical zone, and there being no communication about conditionswhen the device is in other geographical zones and the communicationbeing limited to communication about conditions in a single geographicalzone, wherein the portable device is programmed to determine theoccurrence of different conditions dependent on the at least onegeographical zone; and reporting the occurrence of the certainconditions.
 2. A method of selectively communicating with devices withindefined geographical zones, comprising: defining a plurality ofgeographical zones, each zone being defined by predetermined attributes;associating at least one device within each geographical zone with whicha portable device can communicate, the association being exclusive ofother geographical zones; providing the portable device with a groundpositioning unit receiver; loading data representative of the pluralityof geographical zones to the portable device; obtaining geographicalcoordinates of the portable device from the ground positioning unitreceiver; determining the location of the portable device in relation toat least one of the plurality of geographical zones; enablingcommunication with the at least one device associated to the at leastone geographical zone when the portable device determines it is withinthe at least one geographical zone, wherein the portable device createsa further representation of the geographical zone using the plurality ofcoordinates by performing the steps of: (a) mapping the coordinates on apixilated image so as to assign one pixel to each coordinate of theplurality of coordinates, wherein the distance between each assignedpixel is configurable, (b) connecting the plurality of assigned pixelswith lines forming a contiguous and connected line that encloses an areain the pixilated image, and (c) activating the pixels that lie on thelines in order to form a contiguous array of pixels that enclose a shapein the pixilated image; programming the portable device to determine theoccurrence of certain conditions in the at least one geographical zonethat the portable device is located within the geographical zone, andthere being no communication about conditions when the device is inother geographical zones and the communication being limited tocommunication about conditions in a single geographical zone; whereinthe portable device is programmed to determine the occurrence ofdifferent conditions dependent on the at least one geographical zone;and reporting the occurrence of the certain conditions.
 3. A method ofselectively communicating with devices within defined geographicalzones, comprising: defining a plurality of geographical zones, each zonebeing defined by predetermined attributes; associating at least onedevice within each geographical zone with which a portable device cancommunicate, the association being exclusive of other geographicalzones; providing the portable device with a ground positioning unitreceiver; loading data representative of the plurality of geographicalzones to the portable device; obtaining geographical coordinates of theportable device from the ground positioning unit receiver; determiningthe location of the portable device in relation to at least one of theplurality of geographical zones; enabling communication with the atleast one device associated to the at least one geographical zone whenthe portable device determines it is within the at least onegeographical zone, wherein data representative of each geographical zoneis a pixilated image; programming the portable device to determine theoccurrence of certain conditions in the at least one geographical zonethat the portable device is located within the geographical zone, andthere being no communication about conditions when the device is inother geographical zones and the communication being limited tocommunication about conditions in a single geographical zone; whereinthe portable device is programmed to determine the occurrence ofdifferent conditions dependent on the at least one geographical zone;and reporting the occurrence of the certain conditions.
 4. A method ofselectively communicating with devices within defined geographicalzones, comprising: defining a plurality of geographical zones, each zonebeing defined by predetermined attributes; associating at least onedevice within each geographical zone with which a portable device cancommunicate the association being exclusive of other geographical zones;providing the portable device with a ground positioning unit receiver;loading data representative of the plurality of geographical zones tothe portable device; obtaining geographical coordinates of the portabledevice from the ground positioning unit receiver; determining thelocation of the portable device in relation to at least one of theplurality of geographical zones; and enabling communication with the atleast one device associated to the at least one geographical zone whenthe portable device determines it is within the at least onegeographical zone; programming the portable device to determine theoccurrence of certain conditions in the at least one geographical zonethat the portable device is located within the geographical zone, andthere being no communication about conditions when the device is inother geographical zones and the communication being limited tocommunication about conditions in a single geographical zone; whereinthe portable device is programmed to determine the occurrence ofdifferent conditions dependent on different multiple geographical zones,determining the location of the portable device in relation to at leasta second of the multiple of geographical zones; and enablingcommunication with the at least one device associated to the at leastsecond geographical zone when the portable device determines it iswithin the at least second geographical zone; programming the portabledevice to determine the occurrence of certain conditions in the at leastsecond geographical zone that the portable device is located within, andreporting the occurrence of the certain conditions in a respectivedifferent geographical zone.
 5. The method of claim 1, including:permitting the at least one device to transmit a signal to the portabledevice indicating the occurrence of an event; permitting amicroprocessor in the portable device to execute a preconfiguredoperation if the microprocessor in the portable device determines thatthe event occurred triggers the execution of the preconfiguredoperation; wherein the portable device is programmed to determine ifcertain conditions have occurred in the geographical zone, and when acondition occurs the portable device reports the occurrence to a controlcenter or to a second portable device; and wherein each geographicalzone is depicted as a pixilated computer image created by performing thesteps of: (a) allowing a user to identify a geometrical area in acomputer map using two coordinate attributes; (b) dividing theidentified geometrical area into a grid; wherein the grid is dividedinto a number of sections so as to achieve a high enough resolution tobe able to correctly delineate the geographical zone. (c) allowing theuser to select at least one section from within the grid in order todefine the geographical zone; and (d) associating the at least onesection to a pixel in a pixilated computer image such that the pixelsselected by the user in the identified geometrical area are identifiedas being in the geographical zone.
 6. A method to define a geographicalzone utilized to regulate an entity having a transponder, comprising:allocating a plurality of waypoints, each waypoint in the plurality ofwaypoints being defined by a geographical coordinate and a radius; andloading the plurality of waypoints onto the transponder.